THERE was an exciting finish at Woodfalls Cross where Redlynch and Hale fell just 19 runs short in their Hampshire County Division Three North  match against IBM Hursley, writes ANDY CHURCH.

The visitors chose to bat first on a glorious afternoon, but lost Steve Wallis (14) when he nicked one to Jack Vincent from Kev Hopkins(2-26).

However, Providence Condrill at the other end dug in. She was rewarded with a fine, grafted 58, before being trumped by Will Hewlett's leg spin.

Shameel Waqui then took charge, striking eight maximums and five fours in a brutal 76 before being castled by home skipper James Taylor (1-54).

Wickets had fallen steadily with Dave Webber (3-62) and Hewlett (2-38), but IBM had pushed on past the 200 by then to close out on 243-8 at tea.

A steady start was needed, but Ian Tanner went cheaply. Webber (33) and Glen Willoughby (25) took the reply to 63 before both succumbed.

Then Andy Soutar (43) made things interesting before a needless run out which left Hopkins, the last of the recognised batsmen, to try to take his side home.

The brother and sister combo of Providence (4-50) and Ike (3-45) put the cat among the pigeons with both Hewlett and Vincent failing to score.

Russ Church (21 not out) joined Hopkins and the pair pushed on past 200 before Hopkins went to a fine return catch.

Taylor blasted a cameo 11 before holing out but with the last pair getting the target below one a ball, Ben Brown lofted a catch to cover and it was all over.

A setback for R&H who will look to bounce back in next week's clash with Steeple Langford.

Redlynch & Hale's team of the moment is the second string, as they continued an impressive run of victories, securing a nail biting two wicket win at Wellow and Plaitford, to make it eight from eight and keep them firmly on top of Regional Division One North West.

Stan Boardman's young side bowled the hosts out for 156 with Light top scoring on 54 and Tom Emm notching 3-31.

In reply, Jon Hatchett found form with a fine 54 and the skipper 29.

It was tight at the end with Tom Farr (4-24) putting pressure on the tail. However, youngsters Jack Sobucinski and George Hayes batted carefully and eased their team home with two and a half overs in hand for a two wicket win.

There was joy too at Hatchet Green, where Hale's third team posted 192-7 against Thruxton.

Despite some hostile bowling from Adam Mills (2-19), Ben Lindsay hit 110, falling just before the end.

In reply the visitors had little to offer as young Harry Cobern scooped his second five-fer of the season, taking 5-9 from his six overs.

The hosts held seven good catches as Thruxton capitulated to be all out for a lowly 82.